Extended Euclidean Algorithm Calculator

Compute gcd(a,b) and Bézout coefficients x, y such that a·x + b·y = gcd(a,b). Solves linear Diophantine equations, finds modular inverses, and shows step-by-step division tableau.

gcd(a, b)
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Bézout: a·x + b·y = gcd —
Steps (quotients) —
Extended More scenarios, charts & detailed breakdown ▾
gcd(a, b)
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x (coefficient of a) —
y (coefficient of b) —
Verify: a·x + b·y —
Professional Full parameters & maximum detail ▾

Result

gcd(a, b) —
Bézout Identity —

Details

Division steps —
Complexity —
Historical Note —

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter integers a and b. The gcd and Bézout coefficients appear instantly.
  2. Use Find Mod Inverse tab when you need a⁻¹ mod m.
  3. Use Linear Diophantine tab to solve ax + by = c.
  4. Use Professional for step-by-step division tableau and complexity analysis.

Formula

a·x + b·y = gcd(a, b) — Bézout's Identity

Algorithm: iterative back-substitution through Euclidean divisions.

Example

gcd(35,15): 35=2×15+5 → 15=3×5+0. gcd=5. Back-substitution: 5=35−2×15, so x=1, y=−2. Check: 35×1+15×(−2)=5 ✓

Frequently Asked Questions

  • It extends the basic Euclidean algorithm to find integers x and y satisfying a·x + b·y = gcd(a,b) (Bézout's identity). These coefficients are used to compute modular inverses.
  • If gcd(a,m)=1, then a·x + m·y = 1 means a·x ≡ 1 (mod m), so x is the modular inverse of a. This is the foundation of RSA key generation.
  • The linear Diophantine equation ax+by=c is solvable in integers if and only if gcd(a,b) divides c. The Extended Euclidean algorithm finds the particular solution.
  • O(log min(a,b)) division steps — exponentially faster than trial methods. For 1000-digit numbers it needs only ~3000 steps.
  • The basic form appears in Euclid's Elements (≈300 BC). The extended form giving Bézout coefficients was studied by Bachet de Méziriac in 1624 and formalized by Euler and Gauss.

Related Calculators

Sources & References (5) ▾
  1. Euclid's Elements Book VII — Propositions 1-2 — Clark University Digital Edition
  2. An Introduction to the Theory of Numbers — Hardy & Wright — Oxford University Press
  3. Concrete Mathematics — Graham, Knuth & Patashnik — Addison-Wesley
  4. Extended Euclidean Algorithm — Wolfram MathWorld — Wolfram Research
  5. MIT OCW 6.006 — Introduction to Algorithms — MIT OpenCourseWare